Our mission is to support people of all ages who have a sight loss and to enable them to gain an independent lifestyle, at the same time as minimizing the effects of reduced vision.

	The 60 foot abseil near Rivington

If you have a visual impairment, to live in a sighted world is not easy, especially if you have lost your sight later in life. At first the difficulties seem insurmountable. You feel out of place and unable to carry on life as before. You do not know if anyone is near you, there is any obstruction you may fall over, you may have difficulty in shopping, and are unable to see bus stops, bus numbers or, when to disembark. The result is loss of confidence, inclining you to stay within your own four walls rather than face the outside world.

Foot massage - Allegedly

Galloway's is proud of the wide range of leisure, recreation and social activities we provide. The varied activities offered are adapted. Our activities are all designed to teach new skills, and create a new social life enabling you meet with other people and share experiences, make new friends. Galloway's allow you the opportunity of joining our social centres, enjoying holidays, day trips, join any of our specialist interest groups, learn a new hobby and take part in outdoor pursuits. All of these options have volunteers and qualified tutors all who have the skills to support you in your sight loss.

To learn more of what is available look at our pages on Weekly Timetable, Activities Update, when it's happening in 2006, Adult Education and Lancashire Eye.

Outdoor Pursuits

We have an extensive range of activities, some of which lead to an accredited award. They include kayaking, abseiling, climbing, mountaianeering, archery, low level walks and paragliding.

All these activities are undertaken with qualified instructors from Lancashire Outdoors Activities Initiative who have been trained in blind awareness. The programme is written to incorporate everyone, regardless of their visual disability. People who have mobility as well as visual disabilities undertake short walks, learn about the environment, identify birdsong, plants and can enjoy working within a group.

Our mountaineering group have successfully climbed Snowdon, Skiddaw and more, you are trained to be equipped for the journey. You are aware of health and safety issues and a sighted guide is available if you need one. This group has skills in camping and cooking for themselves, we hope this year to tackle the 3 peaks and 2 night camp in Wales, with the group concentrating on ropework and navigation.

Raft Building Teamwork

Water Sports incorporate Health and safety on the water, clothing, lifesaving, rolling a canoe, paddling canoes, kayaking, rowing, sailing and teamwork. A 50ft drop over a weir, no mean feat sighted, let alone blind, but we are proud of those in the group that achieved his. We hope to build further on the water skills including kayaking to two star level.

	Studying the Environment

Ambling allowed the groups to take short walks, listen to, and identify bird song, study the environment, bark rubbing, pond dipping, study fauna, flora and more.

Climbing Goredale Scar

All course material is transcribed into what ever format is suitable to the individual, Braille, tape, large print. Tactile Maps and Talking Pedometers were supplied which leads to greater independence for each student.

	Some of the Award Holders

We are Very proud to say that on our last years programme, 40 Blind and Visually Impaired People gained Awards. It proved nothing is impossible if the will is there, in September a presentation was made by Mr Steve Hailstone the principal of Lancashire College.

During 2006 we are building on the skills already achieved to gain further accreditations and have incorporated or set up groups for newcomers. Those who would like more information can contact Pete Ottewell or Lyn Garside for further information on 01772 753704.

Fun Element

Galloway's know the importance of co-operation with other blind societies. We organise social fun evenings, barbeques, quiz nights, driving evenings. This sounds rather alarming but, I can assure you, it is done in a controlled way, Salmesbury Airfield is the venue and B.S.M. supply dual controlled cars. For drivers who have lost their sight and thought they would never be able to drive again and those who have never driven, it is a wonderful experience.

Day Trips

We run day trips to places of interest, shopping trips, visits to the theatres and other places of interest.

Disembarking at Bowness

All day trips are under the auspices of a leader and trained guides. These are on a one to one, or group basis, depending upon abilities or disabilities of those in the parties. This arrangement enables each visually impaired person to obtain maximum benefit and entertainment from the visits.

For example, a visit to a cathedral is more enlightening and interesting when details of the building are explained and each person can touch the carvings to savour their shape and form. Shopping can be a difficult and daunting task, so our guides help with orientation around stores, prices, sizes, or just make the shopping trip more enjoyable.

Holidays

	Not a care in the world

Holidays are planned in the same manner, with leader and guides to make the holiday enjoyable. These people are GUIDES, NOT CARERS; those requiring carers must bring their own companions. Booking and taking a holiday is, for a visually impaired person extremely difficult and often impossible through normal channels. For this reason our organised and conducted holidays are a great asset and very popular. The fancy dress evening is always popular.

Those wishing to partake in our holiday ventures can book, going solo or, with a friend or partner. All holiday venues are checked for safety, facilities and location, day trips are organised and included. If interested contact Maddie or Lyn to see when and where we are off to.